A woman in her early 60s died after a month-long stay in a hospital in Città di Castello, Perugia province, due to an infection with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacterium found in excessive quantities in the pork shoulder she had consumed. The woman, who suffered from a previous illness, did not survive the infection, according to the findings of experts appointed by the Perugia Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine the causes of her death. The investigation revealed that the source of the infection was a pork shoulder purchased from a local establishment that had been contaminated with Listeria bacterium. The Carabinieri Anti-Adulteration Unit (NAS) collated pertinent evidence, obtained the woman’s medical records, and conducted in-depth interviews with her family members. Through meticulous analysis, they sought to establish a clear correlation between the patient’s deterioration and her consumption of particular food items.
Listeria monocytogenes is frequently found in uncooked or undercooked food products and can proliferate even at low temperatures, contaminating foods during processing or storage. The infection, known as listeriosis, can cause mild symptoms such as fever and gastrointestinal disorders. However, in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and immunosuppressed people, the infection can progress to more serious forms, including sepsis or meningitis, which can be fatal.
